columbia wrote:Anyway, does he actually have a chance or this just a shot in the dark?

He's an undrafted 24-year old, so he is no lock to make it to the NHL. However, he was a first-team all-american and finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. So, he's not exactly a shot in the dark.

So was Thiessen.By no means is it a bad signing, but there should be some tempered expectations.

Very true, a one year deal was benificial to both parties, Pens get to see if he has a future in the NHL (which he might not) ANd Hartzell can see if he has success he can try to get a bigger contract. I don't remember Theisen making quite as loud of a splash as Hartzell made this season.

no name wrote:Very true, a one year deal was benificial to both parties, Pens get to see if he has a future in the NHL (which he might not) ANd Hartzell can see if he has success he can try to get a bigger contract. I don't remember Theisen making quite as loud of a splash as Hartzell made this season.

Dude, again, as has been pointed out numerous times in this thread... a one year deal was the *only* deal available to both parties. The CBA states, due to his age, a one year deal is the only option for an entry level contract... Neither side made a cagey deal, if a team wanted to sign him, it had to be a one year deal, end of story.

What goalie would want to sign for the Flyers after the ran Brobovsky out of town and he ends up having a spectacular season in Columbus. Philly seems to blame everything on their goalie. They basically built a team to beat the penguins which they did last year at the expense of everything else.

They probably just want the coaches to get a look at him and what not...no big deal. That's part of the evaluation process, letting the goalie coach get acquainted with him, and all that noise...no big deal.

MayIsForHockey wrote:I believe I read somewhere that: Since it was after the trade deadline when the Pens signed him, he cannot be sent down.

That doesn't sound right. Let me see if I can get to the bottom of that.

Since he was acquired after the trade deadline, he's not eligible for the playoffs. Neither playoffs I don't think because he wasn't on the clear day roster for the AHL.

Keeping him in the NHL also can be part of the promise...he gets one NHL paycheck for his time up here as part of the promise.

Some teams, where applicable, will use things like that. For instance, the "9 game" rule that you see in the beginning of the season for junior players before they get sent back...well, that applies here too. Except, this season, it's 6 games I think because it's a short year. But, still...

"Hey, [free agent], you sign with us and we'll get you in the lineup next year and we'll burn this year of your ELC by giving you six games...so you're out of the entry level system quicker..."

These things happen...though, that's not necessarily specific to Hartzell...